McKinnie: Miami Dolphins bullying controversy “exaggerated”

Miami Dolphins veteran Bryant McKinnie insists that the bullying controversy that has engulfed the franchise over the past few weeks has become bigger than necessary.

Richie Incognito has been suspended indefinitely after team-mate Jonathan Martin claimed that he was harassed and bullied.

While the NFL are conducting their own investigation, Incognito has since appeared on the FOX network in the US to share his side of the story and despite admitting to using racial slurs he believes that it was reciprocated and part and parcel of locker room culture.

Nevertheless, the story has dominated the headlines over the past fortnight and has undoubtedly had a negative impact on the Dolphins who have now lost five of their last six games.

“Things could probably have been a little exaggerated with that whole situation,” McKinnie said candidly on Wednesday, as reported by ESPN.

“You heard one side of the story and now you’re starting to hear the other side. So give it time before you make a decision on who’s right or who’s wrong and let it go from there.”

Coach Joe Philbin held an in-house meeting with five members of his leadership council on Wednesday to discuss the various issues that are currently turning Miami’s season into a nightmare.

While he has been forced to postpone a meeting with Martin at the request of the NFL, it remains to be seen what comes out of the on-going investigation.

Owner Stephen Ross has also set up a task force to improve the culture of the locker room, with former coaches and players being brought in to help them with what is becoming an increasingly difficult situation.